First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 189
Chapter 189: Hijacking
The factory was eerily quiet, with only the distant hum of an engine echoing through the space.
Grow up.
Since you've chosen this path, you must press forward even if it means tearing through flesh and blood.
Lian Sheng tilted her head to look at Zhao Zhuoluo. The skin on his face was frighteningly red, burning hot as his cells worked to heal. No one dared touch his face.
To maintain alertness, no anesthesia had been administered. Fortunately, apart from his face and head, no other parts were injured.
Zhao Zhuoluo happened to look up, meeting her observing gaze. He raised an eyebrow in question.
Before Lian Sheng could speak, her communicator rang first. The display showed "Hundred Meter Flying Dagger."
Lian Sheng answered, calling out, "Boss."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's hair was disheveled, his jacket half-draped over his shoulders, looking rather unkempt as he said, "What now? Can't you let your boss get some proper sleep?"
Lian Sheng replied, "What did I do?"
"The rescue team went to pick you up—why didn't you return? Who are you trying to cause trouble for? That's the 12th District—we can't guarantee your safety there! Have you forgotten the meaning of 'follow orders'?" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger scolded. "If they want to stir up trouble, fine—they've got thick skins. But why are you joining in? Don't you know what's important?"
Lian Sheng turned the communicator screen around, letting the trainees see his furious face.
The young soldiers turned away awkwardly, raising their hands to cover their faces.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger snapped, "What are you covering for? I've got all your names right here! If you've got the guts, dig yourselves into the ground!"
Lian Sheng nodded.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger continued, "Stop fooling around, my dear ancestors. Every step in a battlefield deployment has meaning. If possible, we wouldn't want to abandon those severely injured civilians either. But in the heat of battle, compared to rescuing one civilian who needs care, our priority is protecting soldiers with limitless potential. You want to save civilians—why not think about saving your comrades? Can your rescue pods hold the entire starry sea?"
He added, "I know—your naive hearts think they can."
Lian Sheng said, "They understand the reasoning."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger retorted, "The key is whether you understand."
"I do," Lian Sheng said. "But clearly, their emotions at the time wouldn't accept me stopping them. And in public, we couldn't make too big a scene."
Arguing openly over rescue quotas would easily give the impression that Alliance students' lives were far more valuable than civilians'. It would also make the Kafa military appear weak and subservient before the Alliance.
The implications were terrible.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger sighed. "No second chances. This time, though the orders didn't come directly from the Alliance, they were official instructions to Kafa. I never expected you'd have the guts to outright refuse. I took the heat for you—remember my sacrifice."
The group nodded obediently. "Yes, yes, yes."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "When the second rescue pod arrives, no one stays behind—get your asses back here immediately! The situation in Kafa isn't simple—this might not be just a civil war. Understood?"
They nodded again.
Lian Sheng closed the display and walked to an empty window with her communicator.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger asked, "How are they? Anyone wet their pants? Anyone want to leave?"
Not everyone could stomach bloody scenes, but compared to visual impact, the emotional shock was harder to bear.
That was something one never got used to—what you learned was suppression and restraint. Hundred Meter Flying Dagger could still recall the nausea he'd felt back then.
They'd been born in the overly peaceful Alliance District 2, where even deaths were rare, let alone war. Having bloodshed thrust so vividly before them now could easily breed resistance. Post-traumatic stress would be disastrous.
The Alliance military was so concerned about them because they were all semi-designated future mech pilots.
In war, mech pilots' casualty rates weren't low. Yet each graduating class produced so few. After half fled in the 36th District incident, this might scare off another batch.
With tensions rising and talent already in short supply, they were still acting like children.
"If only they'd grow up faster," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger murmured. "Though that wouldn't be good for them."
Lian Sheng said, "If that's what you think, you should let them stay here."
"We'll talk after you're back. The Alliance has already dispatched rescue teams. Right now, ensuring your safety is the priority before making further decisions. If you want to participate in rescue efforts..." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Liliana and I support it! You can request verbal permission from the rescue team and observe. It's a rare opportunity."
Lian Sheng replied, "Got it. I'll let them know."
At that moment—
The rescue pod en route to its destination suddenly began slowing, its altitude gradually decreasing.
Ji Fangxiao, feeling the turbulence from behind, came to the front cabin and asked, "What's wrong? Are we there?"
The pilot was rapidly tapping the screen, not looking up as he replied, "No. Everyone stay put."
Hearing the tension in his voice, Ji Fangxiao pushed the door open. "I'm coming in."
The pilot had no time to stop him. Ji Fangxiao saw the red dots on the map closing in from all sides and understood the severity. Frowning, he asked, "Radar malfunction?"
"They've got a cloaking system—we didn't notice until now," the pilot said. "Notify everyone to buckle up and return to their seats immediately. Prepare for an emergency landing!"
Ji Fangxiao quickly picked up the intercom microphone and relayed the message.
A commotion rose from the back, but everyone soon took their positions.
Being able to evade Kafa's detection systems and only appearing at close range meant their cloaking tech was undoubtedly cutting-edge.
The forces behind these rebels were now beyond doubt.
Lu Mingyuan and Ji Ban also came forward. As technical personnel, they might be able to help.
Ji Fangxiao stood behind them, studying the dots on the map. "Any chance of breaking through? They've only got four aircraft."
Lu Mingyuan and the pilot answered simultaneously, "At this distance? No."
"They might be armed—they came prepared. A frontal breakthrough has some chance of success, but we'd be in danger," Ji Ban said. "This rescue pod's defense systems aren't great."
The pilot turned his head. "Don't knock it—this is my baby."
He sighed and forcefully hit a red button nearby. "Let's wait for their contact."
Soon, the enemy's signal came through.
A group of buzzcut men in jackets appeared on-screen. "Land immediately. We need to talk."
The pilot said, "Who are you? This is a Kafa 12th District military aircraft. Your actions constitute hijacking military equipment. You will be punished under Alliance regulations."
The other side replied, "No one special. Just civilians."
The pilot clicked his tongue.
Civilians his ass! A whole squad of buzzcuts—what kind of civilians were these?
Put on a jacket, and any monster could pass for human!
The pilot gripped the control stick, addressing those behind him. "Initiating landing now. Everyone remain calm—especially the Alliance personnel. You're safe for now. Wait patiently for rescue."
They helped secure the wounded before buckling themselves in.
Under enemy pursuit, the rescue pod began its forced descent.
The area was sparsely built, and they eventually landed on an open field. The four other aircraft followed suit.
A few trainees unbuckled, ready to stand. The pilot said, "Stay seated and don't move. Follow their instructions. Place weapons at your feet or on the ground. Don't touch your pockets or chests—no sudden movements. This is basic training protocol."
He opened the hatch. A man stepped in, scanning the cabin full of wounded. Frowning, he remarked, "Only half? Seems Alliance soldiers have quite the humanitarian streak."
His gaze swept inward, where everyone sat with hands raised, glaring coldly.
"Good. I like obedient people. Makes things civil, doesn't it?" The man stepped aside. "I want you all off. Follow me."
The soldiers began rising, preparing to carry the wounded out.
The man stopped Zhang Ce. "They stay."
"Why? They need treatment!" Zhang Ce gritted his teeth. "If we're all civilians, how can you abandon them? Isn't their goal to save civilians who hate war?"
The man said coldly, "We know our own goals. We also know what sacrifices are necessary."
Before Zhang Ce could react, the pilot rushed over, gripping his shoulder firmly and shooting him a stern look. "Put them down. Follow their orders."
The man watched impassively.
Zhang Ce supported the wounded man, knuckles white, staring at his shoes to restrain himself.
"Stop being naive!" The pilot scratched his head roughly. "This is why I hate training Alliance troops every year—always chasing perfect outcomes, refusing to face reality. How much effort must we waste to accommodate your righteousness and generosity? If your sacrifices are for justice, then what are ours for? To enable your justice?"
He yanked Zhang Ce hard. "Put. Them. Down!"
The wounded man in Zhang Ce's arms, thinking he was being abandoned, clutched at him desperately, weeping and begging. "No... no..."
Don't be willful. Don't be impulsive. Why was this lesson so hard?
Zhang Ce's Adam's apple bobbed as he set the man back in his seat.
The man's nails left bloody scratches on his hand. Zhang Ce buckled him in before jumping out.
"Good," the man smiled. "Like I said—I like obedient people. You listen, I'll be civil."
The trainees were quickly searched, hands bound, then marched single-file into the enemy aircraft.
The Kafa rescue pod was left untouched. The pilot had already sent a distress signal—once the jamming lifted, Kafa forces would come.
Everyone relaxed slightly. They'd worried the poorly equipped enemy might hijack the pod, but thankfully, they hadn't. Nor had they harmed the wounded.
Their humanity made them question the atrocities they'd witnessed earlier.
The buzzcut man, observing their expressions, chuckled. "Killing them would be meaningless."
Zhang Ce asked, "Then killing others isn't?"
The man turned. "Killing you, however, would be very meaningful."
Zhang Ce shut his mouth.
The aircraft took off, transporting them elsewhere.
Back at the factory, Cornell bought cold water to tend to Zhao Zhuoluo's wounds. Noting his fever, he administered another injection before washing the facial injuries to cool them.
The medication accelerated healing remarkably.
Cornell said abruptly, "The rescue pod's been hijacked."
Zhao Zhuoluo's eyes flew open—luckily, Cornell had tilted the bottle, avoiding his eyes.
Lian Sheng, having just ended her call, crouched beside them.
She glanced at her communicator and redialed. "Boss. Boss, don't hang up—more bad news. The rescue pod's been hijacked."
"......" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger. "......"
He hung up, utterly drained.
The group's eyelids twitched, but they remained seated.
Ye Buqing asked quietly, "What now? What's the military's plan?"
Cornell was surprised by their composure. Had they been reforged in this short time?
"Airspace safety is uncertain, as is internal military security. We won't send another rescue team for now. We need to relocate quickly to avoid exposure." Cornell made Zhao Zhuoluo close his eyes, continuing to pour water. "We checked the pod's location—no signs of struggle. The wounded were left aboard, unharmed. They're safe for now."
Fang Jianchen looked horrified. "They have aircraft now? Why not bring the whole army?"
Everyone stared at him.
"......" Fang Jianchen shrank back. "No way?"
Lian Sheng said, "Wouldn't rule it out. Who knows if what hit you was human or ghost? All they lack is paperwork."
For Gelen forces to take Kafa, they had to circumvent the Peace Accord's restrictions on heavy mech weapons in urban zones. But if framed as internal conflict, it wouldn't concern them.
Some among them were genuine civilians, blending in. Even if caught, who could prove they weren't Kafan? By looking military? No—these days, paperwork was everything.
"But why go to such lengths this time? Is there something crucial in the 12th District they must take?" Ye Buqing said. "If they're after mines, none are nearby. This is the administrative center—little to plunder."
Cornell said, "Anti-war sentiment runs high in Gelen too. Their united forces love stirring trouble—minor clashes are constant. But lately, despite playing instigator, they've made many enemies. After the 36th District incident, the Alliance publicly condemned them. Gelen officials denied involvement, but even their own people didn't buy it."
Cornell added, "And after a hundred years, war has drained vast resources. Kafa has little left worth coveting."
Nothing was more profitable than theft. With global shortages, mineral and energy zones were irresistible.
Once you got a taste, you craved more.
And nothing profited faster than war.
As arms dealers or rescuers, Gelen forces switched roles fluidly, reaping unimaginable gains.
But no matter their profits, centuries of war exhausted their people.
They saw no benefits—nor did they need them. What they saw was sacrifice.
Comrades, family, friends—lost in this game of greed. They upheld justice while their leaders used them as pawns.
Life wasn't bargaining chips.
No righteous pretext could justify it anymore.
People's desires were simple: sustenance and peace. If forced to choose, they'd pick peace.
With Kafa offering dwindling returns and domestic dissent rising, withdrawal was wise.
If the Alliance attacked first, that changed everything—giving them justification to retaliate.
Cheng Ze frowned, realizing the gravity. "So this assault... is Gelen truly ending its century-long war with Kafa?"
"To end war, you must crush those before you," Lian Sheng said. "Nations exist for their people. So do soldiers."
When Kafans no longer upheld their nation, its erasure from history would be complete.
Gelen forces needn't defeat the entire military—they targeted helpless civilians instead.
"But Kafa's under Alliance protection now. Wouldn't this risk Alliance declaring war?" someone asked. "If they don't want war with Kafa, why risk one with the Alliance?"
Cornell remained silent.
"Kafa sought Alliance protection, and the Alliance answered. But Kafa's governance has always been autonomous. Constant war ravaged this once-prosperous land. No one wants to become the next Kafa," Lian Sheng said. "Once war starts, it's hard to stop—just as it's hard to start."
Diplomacy always came first. Would the Alliance declare war on vast Gelen forces over an autonomous district?
Impossible.
Cornell stood. "We're securing the perimeter. We'll move you soon."
Lian Sheng asked, "How many weapons do we have?"
They took inventory.
Twenty-four people, thirteen guns between them. Since they'd been preparing to evacuate, explosives had been reclaimed by Kafa forces.
Lian Sheng asked, "When's the Alliance rescue coming?"
Cornell countered, "What are you planning?"
Lian Sheng stood. "Requesting combat authorization to fight alongside you—is that allowed?"
Cornell said, "Follow your military's orders. Kafa can't command you."
Lian Sheng replied, "Understood."
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